My father’s alzheimer’s disease

I want to know how to help my father to slow down his Alzheimer’s disease which he has been living with for the past 5 years.

Friday (by SMS)

Research is ongoing to develop a drug with the ability to slow down the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Also, a Mediterranean diet has been suggested to reduce cognitive decline. Limiting saturated fats and simple carbohydrates benefit the cardiovascular system, having an effect on overall health. While evidence based on these dietary recommendations is not yet conclusive, increased consumption of fresh fruit, vegetables and fish appears to have a beneficial effect on prevention and management. Since Alzheimer’s disease may develop more quickly in people living solitary lives with limited interaction with others, regular social engagement can spark new brain connections, which stimulate activity. A study over three years noted that participants who socialized less showed more cognitive decline. However, it did not consider factors stopping individuals from socializing, such as depression and anxiety. Scientists have tested the effects of mental stimulation in relation to slowing down Alzheimer’s. People who engaged with puzzles, board games, learning a language or playing an instrument showed reduced severity of symptoms. Numerous studies have shown a positive relationship between exercise and slowing cognitive decline. Studies in patients living with AD have shown a similar benefits, although further research is needed to define the amount and type of exercise.

As we age, subtle changes in memory occur naturally as part of the aging process. However,  sometimes these changes occur sooner than anticipated or faster than expected.

These changes often go unnoticed, but at other times can be disturbing to ourselves or others. There are a number of things that can cause problems with memory or make normal age-related changes worse. For example, sometimes changes in memory might be due to a medication side effect or an existing or developing health problem, such as depression, anxiety, sleep problems, heart disease, infections in the brain, brain tumor, blood clots, head injury, thyroid disease, dehydration, or vitamin deficiency. If this is the case, identifying and treating the condition can improve your memory.

However, when memory loss prevents us from performing daily tasks and our accustomed roles in life, it becomes a health concern that needs further evaluation by healthcare professionals.

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